CREWS GAIN GROUND ON WIND-BLOWN BLAZE

RENO, Nev. - Fire crews have completed a line around 50 percent of the
14,500-acre Martis forest fire west of Reno with the most inaccessible
half to go - and the threat of gusty winds by afternoon.

The flames had moved south Tuesday night and Wednesday, causing
concern that they could push toward Incline Village and the Lake Tahoe
Basin.

"It's not a major threat at this time, but it is a thing to plan for,"
said Incline Village Fire Chief Jim Linardos. "We're working off
Mother Nature's game plan right now."

The fire bosses had a game plan of their own.

While most of the 2,600 people fighting the fire worked close to the
flames, some of the 31 bulldozers and 11 air tankers were cutting
broad fire lines and dropping retardant in hopes of stopping the blaze
if it made a run toward Tahoe or the 500 or so suburban Reno homes
closest to the front.

"We're continuing to build and expand on the control lines, just beef
them up," fire information officer Gary Brittner said.

The fire, driven by 35 mph winds, exploded Sunday, burning 2,000 acres
an hour at times.

Calm winds and a heavy response since then have slowed the advance of
the blaze.

Meanwhile, fire information officer Bernie Paul said evidence
suggested the blaze started with an escaped campfire at an illicit
marijuana farm.